Royals select contract of pitcher Wilking Rodriguez

KANSAS CITY, MO (June 2, 2014) - The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Wilking Rodriguez and optioned right-handed reliever Louis Coleman to Omaha (AAA). To make room on the 40-man roster for Rodriguez, left-handed pitcher Justin Marks has been designated for assignment.

Rodriguez, 24, had made just two one-inning, scoreless appearances for Omaha (AAA) since being promoted from Northwest Arkansas (AA) a little over a week ago. While with the Naturals, he made 11 appearances totaling 11.0 innings allowing 11 hits, three runs, (two earned) with four walks and 12 strikeouts.

A native of Puerto Cabello, Carabobo, Venezuela, Rodriguez joined the Royals' organization as a minor league free agent last November 19 after spending seven seasons with the Tampa Bay organization. His time with the Rays was interrupted with stints on the disabled list due to shoulder surgery in October, 2010. He was on the Rays' 40-man roster during the 2012 season and ranked as their 23rd best prospect by Baseball America entering that year.